In the 20th Century, we preserved the land. In the 21st, let’s restore it.

Nature

The Forest Preserves have a central role to play in keeping these treasures safe for future generations. To do this, they need our help. While many sites in the forest preserves have extraordinary ecological significance, only a few thousand acres of the Forest Preserves’ lands are in good or excellent condition today. Just as we recognize that a greater diversity of human cultures, backgrounds and values enhances communities, the preserves need diversity of plants and animals—and the care of people—to be healthy and thrive. Scientists, land specialists and volunteers have already demonstrated that careful work and ongoing vigilance and stewardship can bring even badly deteriorated areas back to life. On restored land in preserves such as Somme Prairie and Deer Grove, hundreds of rare plants and animals are now thriving. This kind of success is achievable in preserves all over Cook County. Thousands of additional acres are in the process of being restored. But restoration is not a one-time effort. Just as people need good food, exercise, sleep and regular check-ups with a doctor to ensure their long-term health, nature in an urban setting needs our ongoing care.

The forest preserves are waiting to be transformed. They are already unique: the largest network of urban preserves in the nation and one of the few places anywhere that offers rare natural beauty side-by-side with the attractions of a global city. Brought to their full potential, the preserves can be one of Cook County’s most important landmarks and the pride of scores of communities. They could help the Chicago region advance its leadership in both ecological restoration and in taking action to adapt to climate change. Most importantly, the preserves could be one of the best gifts this generation will ever give to the future residents of Cook County.

SHOW ME THE GOALS & PROGRESS

Native landscapes will thrive for generations.

When the Forest Preserves’ creators set out to “protect and preserve” nature, they could not have guessed how important their work would be. Today, more than 100 endangered and threatened species survive in Cook County—in habitat as rare as the rainforest.

GOAL 1 Priorities

INVEST IN RESTORATION AND STEWARDSHIP.

Restore 30,000 acres

2020 Goal

12,000 acres under active restoration management

Status

In progress

Details

Over $6 million was invested by FPCC in 2016 to continue major restoration projects already underway and to maintain restored sites. The 2020 goal of 12,000 acres restored will not be achieved without additional resources.

Develop a scientific seed policy

2020 Goal

Status

Completed

Details

The policy is now being used to inform strategies for sourcing seed material for priority sites.

MOBILIZE PEOPLE TO HEAL AND NURTURE THE LAND.

Increase volunteer hours

2020 Goal

Increase volunteer hours to 200,000 per year

Status

In progress

Details

Some 77,000 hours were contributed in 2014.

Increase Leaders

2020 Goal

Increase certified stewards and workday leaders to 200

Status

In progress

Details

There were 89 certified stewards and workday leaders who volunteered time and talent in 2015.

Create a permanent conservation corps

2020 Goal

150,000 hours per year

Status

In progress

Details

Approximately 63,000 hours were amassed in 2016. The FPCC will continue to seek new resources and grant opportunities to supplement and grow the program in 2017.

CONNECT THE PRESERVES TO A WIDER WILDERNESS.

Expand forest preserves to 90,000 acres

2020 Goal

Status

In progress

Details

As of 2015, there are 70,000 acres in the Forest Preserves.

Expand ecosystem, greenway and trail connections

2020 Goal

Complete three greenway connectors

Status

In progress

Details

Three greenway connector projects were purchased in 2016.

LEARN FROM AND ADAPT TO A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT.

Advance scientific knowledge of natural areas

2020 Goal

Host a science symposium for 400 attendees

Status

In progress

Details

A symposium is being planned for 2017.

Repurpose properties for native landscaping

2020 Goal

Develop and begin implementing a native landscape plan for gateways, site entrances, and maintenance facilities

Status

In progress

Details

A pilot program was developed to test the success of native landscaping at FPCC maintenance facilities. Staff training and implementation at select sites will be conducted in 2017.

A CONVERSATION OF THE FUTURE

Imagine the conversation of a family that discovers river otters in the forest preserves—a species that was threatened but will increasingly thrive here as restoration makes rivers and streams cleaner.

“Look there in the water. See it?”

“Where?”

“Right by that big clump of yellow flowers.”

“It’s a little dog! It’s swimming!”

“Quiet, now. It’s a river otter—just a young one, I think. There, he’s coming up out of the water for a bit.”

“I never saw an otter before.”

“It’s been a long time since they lived here.”

“He’s scratching his fur. Why didn’t otters live here before?”

“It wasn’t a very good place for them. They need lots of fish to eat, and you can’t have fish without clean water and healthy plants and plenty of peace and quiet, too. The same things little humans need.”

“He’s scratching all over.”

“He wants to get his fur just right. You know, I was one of the people who helped make this a good place for plants and animals, back before you were born. That was my very first job, working out here. It was pretty bad when we started. But the whole neighborhood got involved, and there were experts who came and showed us what needed to be done. And now here you are, and here’s a little otter, too. Oh—there he goes, back into the water.”